Catalan golfer David Puig on Sunday in Brisbane became the first Spaniard to win the Australian PGA Championship since Seve Ballesteros in 1981, claiming his maiden title on the DP World Tour, the European circuit.
The 23-year-old from La Garriga, who also competes on the LIV Golf Tour, carded a flawless 66 on Sunday, without a bogey, to finish the tournament on 18 under par and lift his third title as a professional after two victories on the Asian Tour in 2023 and 2024.
In doing so, he is emulating Seve Ballesteros, who won this tournament in Melbourne in 1981. “It’s an incredible feeling, especially to win here in Australia. I was very nervous, but I kept my composure very well,” he said after the day.
“Obviously my debut helped me a lot,” he admitted. “And having my name next to Saif’s as the only two Spaniards to win this event makes it even more special.”
Puig started the day tied for the lead, but quickly took a three-stroke lead with three birdies on holes 2, 3 and 4. Finally, he closed on par and became the first winner of the DP World Tour season. After him, Chinese Winnie Ding finished (-16), after recording seven birdies and two bogeys to get a final score of 66, Australian Marc Leishman (-15), and New Zealander Nick Fok (-15).